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\'My Life With The Walter Boys\'
\'My Life With The Walter Boys\'
Netflix
Culture > Entertainment

5 Things Netflix’s ‘My Life With The Walter Boys’ Changed From The Book

Eileen Flaherty

If you have yet to watch Netflix’s latest YA series, My Life With The Walter Boys … what are you waiting for? This show, currently no.1 worldwide on Netflix, is centered around a love triangle, identity, high school drama, and so much more. But, if you’re like me, and you’ve already finished the show (more than once…), you’re probably filling the void waiting for Season 2 (which is officially happening, BTW) by watching Cole Walter edits on TikTok or rewatching that scene in the final episode … IYKYK. 

But, there is a much better solution for you to immerse yourself in the world of the Walter Boys again, and it’s by reading the book. Yup, if you didn’t know it already, My Life With The Walter Boys is based on Ali Novak’s novel with the same title. 

Novak’s book, originally published on Wattpad, is certainly well-followed in the show. With so many book-to-screen adaptations, there are some noticeable differences between My Life With The Walter Boys’ book and the series. The main characters’ story, love triangle, and big plot points remained the same, but there are other changes that are unique to the series. Here are five of the biggest changes in Netflix’s My Life With The Walter Boys from the book. 

Tara Wasn’t In The Book 

With any YA show, there’s bound to be a lot of drama. And TBH, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy watching it. Tara’s character, as the high school guidance counselor (played by Ashley Tavares), wasn’t in the book.

\'My Life With The Walter Boys\'
Netflix

While she was certainly not on screen as much as others, I feel her plot added some good side-drama and side-plots to the show. I mean, look at the last episode… the chemistry between her and Uncle Richard? I’m sensing lots of drama with that next season, so I’m interested to see if her character stays. 

The Book Gives Us More Cole & Jackie Content

Ok, now I’m a little hurt. Cole and Jackie have so much sexual tension between the two of them for basically the whole show until they finally kiss towards the end of the last episode. There is a super cringey moment in the show where Jackie, Cole, and others are in a game of truth or dare, where Cole is dared to kiss Jackie, but before he can kiss her, Jackie throws up on him. Well, in the book, the same thing happens, but they actually kiss. No throw-up or embarrassment involved. If only that happened in the show. 

The Book Has 1 More Walter Sibling 

While I enjoyed following the side plots of the other Walter brothers besides Alex and Cole, it got super confusing. There are just so many of them, and oftentimes, I found myself mixing up the brothers’ names, stories, etc. In the book, there are 11 Walter siblings, while in the series there are 10. Even though this is a small change, I think it helps. Keeping up with 11 Walter siblings would be too much. 

The Book Is Centered More Around Cole 

Hear me out for a second: I don’t dislike Alex, I just think he’s more annoying and less mature than Cole. In the book, there was more focus on Cole and less on Alex. However, in the show, the series’ developer, Melanie Halsall wanted to add an equal focus for Cole and Alex. In the book, Alex is less likable and not focused on much. However, we see in the series that he is well-liked and gets a lot of screen time. 

Jackie Breaks Up With Alex In The Book

Yup, you read that right. In the book, Jackie breaks up with Alex and goes for Cole (kind of). Jackie tells Cole that, after she returns from New York, they will get together. Of course, this doesn’t exactly happen in the show.

\'My Life With The Walter Boys\'
Netflix

At Will and Haley’s wedding, Alex tells Jackie he loves her, and she says nothing back. (Alexa, play “Say Don’t Go” by Taylor Swift). That same night, Jackie and Cole kiss for the first time. But, nobody knows what really happens after that because the next day, she’s off to NYC with her Uncle and Danny. 

Because Novak has not written a sequel to My Life With The Walter Boys, we don’t exactly know what’s in store for season 2. But, one of my biggest requests is more Cole and Jackie content. I need it. 

Eileen is a senior at Fairfield University who is studying Communications with minors in English, Professional Writing, and Women’s Gender & Sexuality Studies. She has a passion for magazine writing and hopes to pursue a career in the field. Eileen is the Entertainment & Culture Intern at Her Campus where she covers all things pop culture, entertainment, and internet trends. Eileen was formerly a National Writer for Her Campus from April 2023 - January 2024. Eileen is one of the Campus Correspondents (CCs) at Her Campus' Fairfield University chapter. She oversees the entire chapter and works with her other CC to curate ideas and events for HCFU. She also mentors and trains the editorial team and helps create content and boost engagement alongside the social media team. In her free time, you can find Eileen creating new Spotify playlists, getting a sweet treat with friends, or obsessing over Taylor Swift. If she isn’t doing that, you’ll likely find Eileen with her six best friends from school talking about their “Big Three”: "Normal People," their favorite "Dancing With The Stars" performances, and Greta Gerwig's "Little Women."